↑ reinforcing ↓ reducing ⊥ even method.
Clinical manifestations: Cough with thin white watery phlegm; chills stronger than fever; clear nasal discharge; an itchy throat; no sweating; worse with cold, wind and raw foods.
Tongue: Normal or slightly pale, thin white moist coat. Pulse: Floating and tight.
Treatment principle: Releases the Exterior, disperses Cold and restores the descent of Lung Qi.
Note: moxa is appropriate.
Clinical manifestations: Cough with thick yellow or green phlegm; fever stronger than chills; sore throat; rapid onset with headache; thirst.
Tongue: Red tip, thin yellow coat. Pulse: Floating and rapid.
Treatment principle: Disperses Wind-Heat, clears Lung Heat and restores the diffusing and descending functions.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: A dry, hacking cough with scanty sticky phlegm; a dry nose, mouth and throat; cracked lips and skin; worse in dry, heated air and with excessive talking.
Tongue: Red, dry surface, thin white or yellow dry coat. Pulse: Floating and rapid, possibly fine.
Treatment principle: Gently disperses warm dryness, moistens the Lungs and stops the cough.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: A deep, rattling cough with copious white sticky phlegm that is easy to expectorate; chest heaviness and fullness; poor appetite; abdominal bloating; fatigue.
Tongue: Pale, swollen, tooth-marked, thick white greasy coat. Pulse: Slippery, like rolling beads.
Treatment principle: Dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm, regulates Qi and strengthens the Spleen's fluid metabolism.
Note: moxa is appropriate.
Clinical manifestations: A loud cough with thick yellow or green, difficult-to-expectorate phlegm; chest oppression; fever; thirst; restlessness; a flushed face.
Tongue: Red, yellow greasy coat, possibly red prickles on the front third. Pulse: Slippery and rapid.
Treatment principle: Clears Heat, transforms Phlegm, broadens the chest and descends Qi.
Note: no moxa.
Clinical manifestations: Sudden, forceful coughing bouts triggered by anger or frustration; rib pain worse with coughing; irritability; bitter taste; face flushes during attacks; scanty, stringy phlegm.
Tongue: Red with redder sides, thin dry yellow coat. Pulse: Wiry and rapid, especially at the left middle position.
Treatment principle: Drains Liver Fire, clears Lung Heat and smooths the flow of Liver Qi.
Note: no moxa.